Self-Publishing on Amazon vs. Audible: Which One is Right for You?
Your book deserves to be heard and read, but which platform will bring you the greatest success?
With the rise of digital content, self-publishing has never been easier. But as an author, you have a crucial decision to make: Should you publish on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Audible through ACX?
Both platforms offer unique opportunities, but they cater to different audiences and come with their own advantages and challenges. If you’re unsure which one to choose—or whether you should use both—this guide will help you make the right decision.
1. Understanding Amazon KDP and Audible ACX
Before diving into comparisons, let’s define what each platform offers:
- Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) allows authors to self-publish eBooks and print books. Your book can be available on Kindle devices, Kindle apps, and even in paperback format via Amazon’s Print-on-Demand service.
- Audible (via ACX – Audiobook Creation Exchange) lets authors turn their books into audiobooks and distribute them through Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Both platforms provide self-publishing opportunities, but they serve different types of readers.
2. Who Is Your Target Audience?
One of the biggest factors in choosing between Amazon KDP and Audible is understanding your audience’s reading preferences.
✅ Amazon KDP is best for:
- Readers who prefer traditional reading (eBooks and print books).
- Authors who write nonfiction, business, self-help, or fiction that is easy to consume visually.
- Writers who want to publish quickly and affordably without major upfront costs.
✅ Audible/ACX is best for:
- Busy professionals and multitaskers who prefer listening to books while driving, exercising, or working.
- Authors with engaging or storytelling-heavy books that benefit from voice inflection and dramatization.
- Writers who want to reach a growing market of audiobook consumers (which is rapidly expanding).
If your readers are avid Kindle users, Amazon KDP is a great option. If they are podcast listeners, commuters, or audiobook lovers, Audible may be the better choice.
3. Costs and Upfront Investment
Publishing on either platform has different cost structures, and your decision may depend on your budget.
💰 Amazon KDP Costs:
- Free to publish (Amazon prints books on demand, deducting costs from your royalties).
- If hiring an editor, formatter, or cover designer, expect some upfront costs ($100–$500+ depending on quality).
🎙️ Audible/ACX Costs:
- Hiring a narrator (if you’re not narrating yourself) can be expensive, ranging from $50 to $400 per finished hour. A 5-hour audiobook could cost between $250–$2,000 depending on quality.
- Revenue share option available if you don’t want upfront costs, but you’ll split royalties with the narrator.
If you want to minimize costs, Amazon KDP is the better choice. If you’re willing to invest in quality narration, Audible can be very profitable over time.
4. Royalties and Earning Potential
Both platforms offer different royalty structures, so understanding how much you’ll make is crucial.
💰 Amazon KDP Royalties:
- 70% royalties on eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 (minus delivery fees).
- 35% royalties for eBooks priced below $2.99 or above $9.99.
- Paperback royalties (typically 60% of the book’s list price, minus printing costs).
🎧 Audible/ACX Royalties:
- If you choose exclusive distribution, you get 40% royalties on each sale.
- If you go non-exclusive, you only earn 25% royalties but can sell on other platforms.
- If you choose royalty share with a narrator, you get 20%, and the narrator takes 20%.
Amazon KDP generally offers higher royalty percentages, while Audible offers long-term passive income, especially if you sell at higher prices.
5. Market Demand: Is Audiobook Popularity Growing?
The audiobook industry is booming. According to industry reports:
- Audiobook sales have grown by over 20% annually, outpacing eBook growth.
- Many people now prefer listening to books instead of reading.
- Popular genres for audiobooks include self-help, business, memoirs, and fiction.
If your book fits well with audio storytelling, publishing on Audible could unlock a new audience that Kindle books might miss.
6. Time Commitment: Which One Is Easier?
📖 Publishing on Amazon KDP is faster:
- You upload your book, set a price, and within 24–72 hours, it’s live.
- You only need a well-formatted book and a cover design.
🎧 Publishing on Audible takes more effort:
- You need to hire a narrator or record your book yourself.
- The recording, editing, and mastering process can take weeks or months.
- Audible’s approval process is stricter, and it takes 3–6 weeks for your audiobook to go live.
If you want to publish quickly, Amazon KDP is the better option. If you’re willing to invest time, an audiobook can create a long-term revenue stream.
7. Can You Publish on Both?
Absolutely! In fact, many successful authors publish their books on both Amazon KDP and Audible to maximize their reach and income.
- Start with Amazon KDP for fast publishing and early sales.
- If your book sells well, invest in an audiobook to reach a wider audience.
- This allows you to generate revenue from multiple streams.
Final Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?
🔹 Choose Amazon KDP if:
✅ You’re on a tight budget and want to publish without upfront costs.
✅ Your audience prefers reading eBooks or paperbacks.
✅ You want to publish quickly without a long production process.
🔹 Choose Audible (ACX) if:
✅ Your book is ideal for listening (self-help, fiction, memoirs, business, spirituality).
✅ You’re willing to invest in professional narration.
✅ You want to tap into the growing audiobook market.
🔹 Best Strategy? Do Both!
If you want to maximize your reach and profits, publish your book first on Amazon KDP and then convert it into an audiobook once it gains traction.
Final Thoughts
Amazon KDP and Audible both offer incredible opportunities for self-published authors, but your choice depends on your audience, budget, and publishing goals.
No matter which path you choose, the key is to take action. Your book has the potential to change lives—but only if you put it out into the world.
👉 Have you published a book on Amazon or Audible? Which platform do you prefer? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🚀